NDP injects $80m

SINCE its establishment in 2008, the Northern Development Plan (NDP) has injected $80 million into the Northern economy.

NDP manager Waisale Tuidama said they created 25 per cent of livelihoods for the 135,000 people in the North.

Mr Tuidama said the project created 10 per cent of new employments within the informal sector in the division.

“For the NDP itself, we have been here for the past 10 years and the program has been going on well,” he said.

“We have funded 2022 projects and I am happy to say that in the past 10 years, these projects have been operating very well.

“We have been visiting the various projects and based on our assessment, 84 per cent of the projects are still operating which is a good indicator of our clients. To date, NDP has spent $80m for funding of the projects and in economic terms that 80 million have been vibrating in the Vanua Levu economy, creating employment for Northerners.”

Mr Tuidama said one project had the capability of employing 20 individuals.

“Considering the population of Vanua Levu, which stands at 135,000, the project creates livelihoods for 25 per cent of people,” he said.

“The assets of those funded through the project have increased, meaning they now have the ability to make more income since assets generate income. Eighty four per cent of the projects funded by us have increased their income over the past 10 years.”